Babes, Bombs, and Blockbusters Movie News Report 3.10.09

Posted by Mike Gorman on 03.10.2009

Seems like sequential art, aka comic books, are the big news all over the place this week with the Watchmen dominating the box office. Trend whores that we are in the 3Bs News Report means we’re following suit with news about the JLA film, a darker Fantastic Four, and a second Ghost Rider for Nicolas Cage. Click if you dare to also get a look at Megan Fox, comic movie mega-Babe and a top ten list devoted to Graphic Novels that need big screen translations.

Like I said, comic books and their characters are heavy in the air this week. Not just the Watchmen though as comic movies are dominating the day's news and this week's Top Ten list. Special emphasis on Wonder Woman in the new edition of "'buster or Busted!" after I got to see the original WW Lynda Carter perform in Hollywood this weekend. Trust me when I tell you she could still pull off the gold eagle swimsuit.







I'm sure that Megan Fox needs no real introduction as the Babe of the week but if you have not heard she has signed on to two new comic book based productions, Jonah Hex and Fathom. Her long rumored casting as Aspen Matthews in Fathom was confirmed last week. What do you think? Does she look the part?

























Check out these latest Hollywood news bombs!

Beating a dead horse or not?
Last we heard the long awaited Justice League of America film had been delayed indefinitely but at least one person attached to the project thinks we should keep hope alive. Director George Miller tells MTV news this week, "I'm still attached to the film. Warner Bros. is waiting to develop the other characters a little bit and then bring ‘Justice League' together. After the success of ["The Dark Knight"], it's well known that they will develop the other characters and then bring them together in ‘Justice League'. That's a fair way down the track." I have long been a detractor of this film as it seemed like DC was originally going to fast track a mess but now it seems like they might be following a better plan. Of course with all the recent news of DC projects being put on hold it one would gather that when Miller says "Down the track" he means like miles and miles down the track.


Colin Hanks helms new documentary
Tom Hanks' son Colin will be stepping behind the camera for his new documentary about the rise and fall of bankrupt music retailer Tower Records. Hanks will direct the story of the company that was formed in 1960 in his native Sacramento, CA detailing what led to Tower's going bust in 2006. Hanks said the following about the project, "It's an incredibly sad tale that mirrors what happened to the music industry, because of the internet, and how people never go to the record store anymore." Can't deny the effects that the net and downloading have had on the music retail industry with giants like Tower and Virgin taking their hits. This sounds like it could turn out to be a very interesting production.


Rumors of a darker Foursome
IGN is reporting that according to anonymous sources at IESB, 20th Century Fox may be looking to produce a darker reboot of the Fantastic Four franchise. Opting to take enter more "serious territories" with the Foursome would also include dropping the cast and director from the previous incarnation. I am not sure if grim and gritty are the right avenues for the Fantastic Four. In my opinion they were also the family unit oriented crew that faced, for lack of a better term, the more fantastical threats out there. Sure they have had their dark days but they always seemed to come out on top in the end. I do think that they could definitely look to a new cast to better embody the characters themselves and that taking the challenges they face more seriously could be interesting. However they would not be the Fantastic Four in my opinion if they lost the character qualities, like the Human Torch's immaturity, that make the FF fun and interesting.


New film to chronicle the story of rap impresarios, NWA
According to Entertainment Weekly's Hollywood Insider blog, New Line Cinema is developing the NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton. "The project will chronicle the rise and fall of the rap quartet, founded by Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and MC Ren, whose songs were so incendiary (i.e. 'F--- tha Police') they were banned from radio playlists but still sold millions of albums. Then came the inevitable fiery breakup, a grudge match between the former band mates, and Eazy-E's tragic death due to AIDS," EW reports. The film will be produced by Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Tomica Wright, Eazy-E's widow. Sounds like a great project that will have detailed involvement from the group's surviving members which will hopefully lead to a faithful telling of the moments when NWA captured the attention of the nation. Knowing what we saw on the public side, I can only begin to imagine the stories we will now see occurred behind the scenes.

Barrymore in running for Eclipse
Drew Barrymore has confirmed to various sources that she is indeed in the running to direct the third installment in the Twilight saga, Eclipse. Not much to say about this because he we have not even seen the second film start production yet. I can understand the studios wanting to capture the moment though as the attention span of their audience is fickle. They might need Barrymore's celebrity to carry the production by the time we get to the third film.


Rock casting for a Funeral
Chris Rock is assembling a team of comedy giants for his remake of the 2007 British film, Death at a Funeral. Martin Lawrence and Tracy Morgan have recently joined the cast that already includes Danny Glover, Regina Hall, Zoe Saldana, Columbus Short and James Marsden. The film's plot revolves around a dysfunctional family which comes together for the patriarch's funeral, only to be rocked by gay revelations from the deceased's alleged former lover Filming will begin this spring according to Variety. The original is a very funny film and I think it will interesting to see what survives of the plot in this remake. It would be great to see this cast take on the core material and themes of the British version.


Nicolas Cage speaks about sequel to Ghost Rider
Over the weekend, Cage told MTV news that the search is on for a screenwriter for this Sony-Marvel studios sequel. He has said he will reprise his role as Johnny Blaze and is eager to see this next film, "have that action horror element and go deeper into that if it were to happen and [it should] keep us asking questions. Keep it interesting on a philosophical level." A deeper more philosophical Ghost Rider? Who are the people clammering for this sequel and just who at Sony and Marvel thinks it will be money well spent? I think we deserve to gather these aforementioned people in a public arena and educate them about the reality of the last film and the chances of success for a sequel.


















Not only did I get to see the original Wonder Woman live this past week but the animated Wonder Woman was released. With the Amazon princess on my mind I decided that this week's spot would look at the actresses rumored to be considered for the upcoming (long upcoming?) live action Wonder Woman film. Some of these rumors are still alive and some have passed but I thought it would fun to assess them all.

Eliza Dushku: Great look and has the physicality to pull it off. Would Dollhouse's success affect her availability? 'buster!

Sandra Bullock: Miss Congeniality 3 maybe, Wonder Woman, no way. Busted!

Catherine Zeta Jones: Might be able to pull it off on "role playing" night with Michael Douglas but not on the big screen. Busted!

Beyonce: I think she could rock the costume but you see, she'd also need to act and I'm still not convinced she can do that .Busted!

Lynda Carter: Too old to play Wonder Woman, but she still has a killer bod that could be showcased in some Amazon armor. Hire her to play Hippolyta, Wonder Woman's mom. She'd kill the role.Busted and 'buster!

Charisma Carpenter: She's got the looks and the Whedon connection, but then so does Dushku and the next girl on the list. 'buster!

Morena Baccarin: Unknown enough to not be stunt casting and she definitely has a unique look that would definitely translate to WW. How is she a Joss Whedonite? She starred in "Firefly" and Serenity. 'buster!

Kate Beckinsale: She proved in the Underworld films that she can handle the action and look great in a sleek costume. 'buster!

Keri Russell: Great job as the animated Wonder Woman in the new film but I don't think her look would inspire the royalty needed for a live action Diana. Busted!

Angelina Jolie: She could pull it off, but then she could do almost anything in my opinion. 'buster!

No clear winner here really but then will this film even be made? I hope so and cannot wait to see who they cast!








The success of films such as Sin City, 300 and the recently released Watchmen have shown that there is an audience for the Graphic Novel adaptation films. More than just issues of a singular comic book the graphic novel tends to tackle subjects of a broader scope or of a more unique separate universe. I have chosen ten that I think would make fascinating film projects, some more serious than others but all unique tales.

10. JSA: The Golden Age by James Robinson & Paul Smith
The Golden Age is an Elseworld's tale that looks at what would have happened to the golden age heroes if they got caught up in the paranoia follow WW II. Does the country still need the masked mystery men? It is a theme touched on also in Watchmen and presented in full in this excellent book.


9. Superman vs. Muhammad Ali Denny O'Neil & Neal Adams
Before the hard covered graphic novels were a part of the comic book culture, oversized books were created to tell crossover tales and stories too big for the traditional comic. This was one of the stories. An alien force threatened the future of the earth and demanded the planet's champion step forward to defend the human race. Two men answered that challenge, Superman and Muhammad Ali which led to a battle between the two (with Superman's powers removed) to determine who would be that champion. Campy and magnificent in its scope, this book would translate perfectly to film. I am not sure if it is the crossover audiences are crying out for but damn it would be a fun romp.

8. Batman: Arkham Asylum by Grant Morrison & Dave McKean
Creepy, dark, twisted and more, Arkham Asylum is a seminal tale set in the Batman universe. As a child it blew my mind with its unique voice and dark imagery. Grant Morrison's story would be a great new direction for the Batman franchise to take in my opinion. The film would need attention to detail and a willingness to let go of traditional conventions.

7. Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia by Greg Rucka & J.G. Jones
While it seems most fanboys clamor for the team up of Batman and Superman on film, I think that this tale of honor and code would be a better collaboration. Far more than a team story, Wonder Woman and Batman are adversaries in this story when a woman accused of murder and hunted by the Bat invokes the protection of the Amazon. Worlds and time collide in this great story.

6. Sentinels: Book 1 by Rick Bernatovech & Luciano Vecchio
Not as well known as many of the books I have selected, Sentinels tells the story of a group of heroes struggling to carry of the traditions of their parents. They do without direction as their families, the original Sentinels, have disappeared. The story is unique as are the heroes. No prior knowledge or back story is needed for an audience to access a production of this tale.


5. Get a Life by Philippe Dupuy & Charles Berberian
Get a Life is off the beaten path from the superhero genre and instead is a collection of stories by French artists Dupuy and Berberian that chronicle the life and times of a bachelor named Mr., Jean. Mr. Jean's stories revolve around his life developing in his 20s and 30s as things like marriage and responsibility loom in the near future. The character voice is original and completely relatable here. Get a Life was not on my usual radar until it was put there by a friend. I am glad this work came into my life as it broadened my own horizons when it comes to what I read and enjoy.


4. Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore & Brian Bolland
Yes, more Batman, but this one is a must see. If you wonder how they could continue the story of the Joker and come out from under the weight left behind by Heath Ledger's performance, I think The Killing Joke is a way to do this successfully. The story is truly about the yin and yang relationship of Batman and the Joker detailing how they truly need each other on levels they might not even consciously acknowledge. Also this story features the Joker's brutal attack on Barbara Gordon that ended her career as Batgirl. If you have not read this one, stop now and get it!


3. CVO: Covert Vampiric Operations by Alex Garner & Mindy Lee, JEff Mariotte & Gabriel Hernandez
This one sells itself really. The CVO are basically like a branch of the CIA made up of vampire operatives. The base story is beyond interesting and the potential directions a film could take are limitless. Besides, who doesn't love the idea of vampires with guns? I know I do.


2. Superman Vs. Aliens by Dan Jurgens & Kevin Nowlan
Franchise crossovers have been hot properties in Hollywood lately with the success of Freddy Vs Jason and even Alien vs Predator. Adapting this crossover between the last Kryptonian and the deadly acid blooded aliens would make for some fantastic movie action. This series included elements such as a powerless Superman going up against the aliens and the return of a familiar face to the Superman continuity by one of the survivors of the alien attack, another Kryptonian named Kara. This would be a smackdown for the ages.

1. Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman
One of the first and greatest graphic novels of all time is this tale of Holocaust survivors. Maus replaces the people with animals but stays true to the story of Spiegelman's father's plight to survive the brutality of the Nazi's. It is tragic and beautiful at the same time and would suffer if anyone tried to Disney-fy it. A true to its original format film would be quite an accomplishment and I also think it is a story we are ready to see made. Audiences are realizing that animated films are not just child's play and Maus would bring that message home.














Your Tuesday ‘Tube Bonus Clib

Keeping up with my theme this week I leave you with the trailer for the animated Wonder Woman film released this week. I cannot encourage you enough to pick it up or Netfliz it this week. You won't be disappointed.






Until next week watch out for the bombs, catch a good blockbuster and check out a sweet babe or two.



(All information and gossip gathered from Fark.com, Aintitcoolnews.com, Hollywoodreporter.com, Hollywood.com, Reuters.com, Variety.com, MTV.com, IMDB.com, IGN.com and Darkhorizons.com)